Flat top gas range

ABSTRACT

A gas range for a vehicle contains a gas range height. The gas range contains an oven having an oven cavity, and a cooktop located above the oven. The cooktop contains a gas burner having a gas burner height, and a cooking grate above the gas burner. The cooking grate has a cooking grate height. A gas oxidation height is the difference between the cooking grate height and the gas burner height. The gas oxidation height is from about 10 mm to about 40 mm and the gas range height is from about 350 mm to about 450 mm. A gas range also contains an oven, a cooktop and a lid. The oven contains an oven cavity and a plurality of oven exhausts. The cooktop contains a gas burner and a cooking grate above the gas burner. The lid covers the cooking grate and the lid has an open position and a closed position. An oven exhaust leads from the oven cavity to the cooktop and when the lid is closed the lid forms a flat top. A counter may contain the gas oven and a vehicle may contain the gas oven and/or the counter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation Application of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/985,269, filed May 21, 2018; claims the benefitof Hong Kong Application No. 18106228.1, filed May 14, 2018, and isrelated to U.S. application Ser. No. 29/625,563, filed Nov. 10, 2017;the aforementioned applications are incorporate herein by reference intheir entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of a gas range, and moreparticularly a gas range for installing in a counter and/or for use in avehicle.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles such as, for example, an automobile, an airplane, a watercraft,etc. are becoming more and more sophisticated and luxurious. Largervehicles, especially luxurious larger vehicles such as yachts,recreational vehicles (RVs), including mobile homes, motor homes,caravans, trailer homes etc., are increasingly expected to contain thecomforts one finds in larger, sedentary homes. This increasinglyincludes comforts such as full ranges having both an oven and a cooktop(i.e., a burner for cooking). See, for example, U.S. Design patentapplication No. 29/625,563 to Bell, filed on Nov. 10, 2017 entitledOVEN, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/368,057 to Bell, filed onDec. 2, 2016, entitled COOKING GAS APPLIANCE, both of which areincorporated by reference herein, in their entireties.

However, as compared to a sedentary home, a vehicle possesses certainlimitations with respect to energy, space, etc. While electric burnersand electric ovens are possible the electrical energy requirements of anelectric oven and/or an electric cooktop may be prohibitive, especiallyif the vehicle is not connected to the electrical power grid. Typically,the only electricity that is available may come from a 12-volt DCbattery system. Therefore, devices for use in vehicles such as a RVshould not generally have a high power rating and/or energy consumption.Accordingly, many larger, luxury vehicles employ a gas range utilizing agas, such as propane gas, butane gas and/or natural gas; or propane gas,for cooking, baking, etc.

Furthermore, very strict regulations exist for the use of gas and othercooking technologies, especially gas cooking, in vehicles. This isbecause without sufficient room and access for adequate combustion, itis possible that toxic and/or noxious fumes could be generated and causehealth or other issues. For example, please see American NationalStandard Institute's Standard for Recreational Vehicle Cooking GasAppliances, ANSI Z21.57-2010, and the addenda ANSI Z21.57a-2012. Suchstandards seek to increase consumer safety by reducing the risk of, forexample, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to incomplete combustion ofpropane and other gases.

Furthermore, as space is often at a premium in a vehicle, for example, arecreational vehicle, a boat, an airplane, etc., often the counter orcountertop is needed for multiple tasks such as cleaning, cooking,storage, etc. Therefore, having a large cooktop taking up a largesurface area may be considered a waste of space in such a vehicle. Suchneeds may also exist in, for example, a small apartment or studio.

In addition to taking up needed counter space, the upper surface of acooktop often juts above the surface of the countertop, thereby makingit more difficult to clean, more difficult to easily utilize theexisting counter space, etc.

In addition, the space provided for a gas range is often limited and yetusers and owners wish to have as large an oven as possible, for example,sized so as to accommodate and bake a large ham and/or turkey forfestive occasions.

Accordingly, there exists a need to increase the usable countertopsurface area within a vehicle. Furthermore, it is desirable to be ableto provide increased counter space while also meeting the relevantcarbon monoxide standards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a gas rangecontaining a gas range height. The gas range contains an oven having anoven cavity, and a cooktop located above the oven. The cooktop containsa gas burner having a gas burner height, and a cooking grate above thegas burner. The cooking grate has a cooking grate height. A gasoxidation height is the difference between the cooking grate height andthe gas burner height. The gas oxidation height is from about 10 mm toabout 40 mm; or from about 13 mm to about 35 mm, or from about 15 mm toabout 30 mm; or from about 20 mm to about 29 mm. The gas range height isfrom about 350 mm to about 450 mm; or from about 375 mm to about 425 mm;or from about 390 mm to about 410 mm.

A gas range contains an oven, a cooktop and a lid. The oven contains anoven cavity and a plurality of oven exhausts. The cooktop contains a gasburner and a cooking grate above the gas burner. The lid covers thecooking grate and the lid has an open position and a closed position. Anoven exhaust leads from the oven cavity to the cooktop and when the lidis closed the lid forms a flat top.

An embodiment of the present disclosure also relates to a countercontaining the gas range as described herein, or a counter containingthe gas range described herein installed into the counter.

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle containingthe gas range described herein, or the counter described herein.

Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that thepresent disclosure provide a balance between maximizing oven space andyet still providing a flat top gas range. It is believed that byoptimizing the height of the gas oxidation height, the gas range hereinmay provide one or more benefits such as, for example, a maximized ovenheight, complete combustion and approval according to Z21.57-2010, andthe addenda ANSI Z21.57a-2012, a flat top gas range, a gas range whichis substantially flush with the countertop, a significantly greatercounter space, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure will now be described in furtherdetail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of a gas range ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the gas range ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a back view of the gas range according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of an embodiment of a counter of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a close up of an embodiment of the counter of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial top perspective view of an embodiment of agas range including a lid of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial top perspective view of another embodimentof a gas range including a lid, the lid in an open position, of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a back, underside view of an embodiment of a lidhinge of the present disclosure, the lid hinge in a locked position;and,

FIG. 9 illustrates the lid hinge of FIG. 8, the lid hinge in an unlockedposition.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.In certain instances, details that are not necessary for anunderstanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficultto perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course,that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particularembodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise specifically provided, all tests herein are conductedat standard conditions which include a room and testing temperature of25° C., sea level (1 atm.) pressure, pH 7, and all measurements are madein metric units. Furthermore, all percentages, ratios, etc. herein areby weight, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

As used herein, the term “flat top” indicates that when the lid hereinis in the closed position, the lid, or a surface attached to the lid,forms a flat surface which allows the area to be used for storage,placing a cutting board, chopping, etc. in effect extending the useablesurface area as if it was part of the countertop. While the surfaceformed by the lid need not be perfectly flat (see, for example, thehinges that slightly protrude from the flat top formed by the lid inFIG. 2), the surface should be substantially flat, so as to form auseful surface. Moreover, in an embodiment herein, the flat top issubstantially level with the countertop if installed therein.

As used herein, the term “gas range” indicates a combination of an ovenand a gas cooktop. The oven may be a gas or electric oven; or a gasoven. The cooktop is a gas cooktop and contains at least one burner forcombusting a gas, typically propane gas, to create a fire for cooking.

Gas ranges are generally well-known in the art and are present inbuildings, such as houses, as well as vehicles such as an automobile, anairplane, a watercraft, etc.; or a recreational vehicle, a boat, asubmarine, an airplane, and a combination thereof.

As used herein, the “gas burner height” indicates the height between thebase of the cooktop and the top of a gas hole, where the gas exits theburner for combustion.

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a gas range for avehicle, where the gas range contains a gas range height. The gas rangecontains an oven having an oven cavity, and a cooktop located above theoven. The cooktop contains a gas burner having a gas burner height, anda cooking grate above the gas burner. The cooking grate has a cookinggrate height. A gas oxidation height is the difference between thecooking grate height and the gas burner height. The gas oxidation heightis from about 10 mm to about 40 mm; or from about 13 mm to about 35 mm,or from about 15 mm to about 30 mm; or from about 20 mm to about 29 mm.The gas range height is from about 350 mm to about 450 mm; or from about375 mm to about 425 mm; or from about 390 mm to about 410 mm.

Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the gasoxidation height herein represents the minimum height needed in order toprovide sufficient combustion so as to pass the ANSI test describedherein. It is believed that when a cooking implement such as a pot or apan is placed on the cooking grate, the distance between the top of thegas hole through which the gas passes and the bottom of the cookingimplement must be sufficient so as to allow air to mix with the gas andcreate sufficient combustion to avoid carbon monoxide formation. Withoutintending to be limited by theory, it is believed that if the gasoxidation height is too short, then this increases the chance thatcarbon monoxide will form. While a higher/taller gas oxidation height ispossible, it is believed that this results in either a gas range whichprotrudes above the counter too much or a shorter over cavity height;both of which are undesirable.

An embodiment of the present disclosure also relates to a countercontaining the gas range as described herein, or a counter containingthe gas range described herein installed into the counter.

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle containingthe gas range described herein, or the counter described herein.

Accordingly, it is believed that by optimizing the height of the gasoxidation height, the present disclosure safely provides one or morebenefits such as, for example, a maximized oven height, completecombustion and approval according to ANSI Z21.57-2010, and the addendaANSI Z21.57a-2012, a flat top gas range, a gas range which issubstantially flush with the countertop, a significantly greater counterspace, etc. It is further believed that the present disclosuresuccessfully balances the competing desires to maximize oven space andyet still provide increased counter space by providing a flat top gasrange.

Such a flat top gas range may increase available and usable counterspace by providing another surface to prepare food, place/store items,etc. In such a situation, it is preferred that the gas range hereincontain a lid for covering the cooking grate. The lid may possess anopen position and a closed position. When the lid is in the closedposition, the gas range contains a closed lid height. In an embodimentherein, the closed lid height is substantially the same as; or levelwith, the gas range height; or is from about 0 to about 10 mm higherthan the gas range height; or from about 0 to about 5 mm higher than thegas range height; or from about 0 to about 3 mm higher than the gasrange height.

In an embodiment herein, the oven cavity contains an oven cavity height.As the oven cavity is typically a square or a rectangle, the oven cavityheight is typically quite uniform regardless of where it is measured.However, in case the oven cavity height is not uniform, then as usedherein, the oven cavity height is considered to be the longest distanceavailable within the oven cavity, when measured perpendicular to thebase of the gas range. As mentioned herein, it is desirable to maximizethe height of the oven cavity as it allows a larger cooking volume andalso may allow the baking of, for example, a chicken, a roast, a rack ofribs, a turkey, etc. therein.

Furthermore, a large oven may be considered a significant indication ofluxury. Accordingly, in an embodiment herein, the oven cavity height isfrom about 150 mm to about 310 mm; or from about 170 mm to about 280 mm;or from about 200 mm to about 260 mm.

In addition, it is believed that when the oven appears larger, then itagain reinforces the image of a luxury appliance. Accordingly, in anembodiment herein the oven has an oven height. It an embodiment herein,the percentage of the oven height with respect to the gas range heightis from about 25% to about 99%; or from about 45% to about 98%; or fromabout 60% to about 95%; or from about 65% to about 90%.

Similarly, it is desirable to have as wide of an oven cavity aspossible, and therefore in an embodiment herein, the oven cavity has anoven cavity width of from about 500 mm to about 250 mm; or from about450 mm to about 300 mm; or from about 400 mm to about 350 mm. Similarly,it is desirable to maximize not just the width of the oven cavity, butto also maximize the width of the oven cavity with respect to the gasrange. Accordingly, in an embodiment herein, the gas range has a gasrange width, and the percentage of the oven cavity width with respect tothe gas range width is from about 25% to about 99%; or from about 45% toabout 98%; or from about 60% to about 95%; or from about 65% to about93%.

In an embodiment herein, the oven contains a door to seal the ovencavity. The door may typically have a glass window or otherheat-resistant transparent layer to allow the user to see into the ovenwhen it is cooking.

Typically, propane gas, butane gas, natural gas, and a combinationthereof; or propane gas is used for cooking in a gas range. Such a gasis typically contained in a pressurized bottle, or other storagecontainer. In certain cases, the gas may be stored as a liquid in apressurized container, and operatively-connected to the gas range. Thegas range typically also has an electrical spark which provides anignition for the gas so that it can be used. In an embodiment herein,the gas range further comprises a gas feed configured to provide a gasfor cooking with the gas range, wherein the gas is at least one gaschosen from propane gas, butane gas, natural gas, and a combinationthereof.

In an embodiment herein, the cooktop is a gas cooktop, while the ovenmay be either an electric oven, a gas oven, a microwave oven, and acombination thereof. In an embodiment herein, the cooktop is a gascooktop and the oven is a gas oven.

As mentioned herein, an embodiment of the present disclosure relates toa counter; or a countertop, having the gas range installed therein. Inthe case of a vehicle containing the gas range or the counter; orcountertop herein, the installation may occur at the factory, at adealership, or afterwards. In order to maximize counter space and theaesthetics of the counter, in an embodiment herein, the counter has alevel surface, and the gas range is installed into or adjacent to thelevel surface. The gas range (including the lid) may protrude from thelevel surface (i.e., the gas range rises above the counter) a maximumdistance of from about 0 mm to about 20 mm; or from about 0 mm to about10 mm; or from about 0 mm to about 5 mm. In an embodiment herein, thegas range may lie below the level surface of the counter a maximumdistance of from about 0 mm to about 20 mm; or from about 0 mm to about10 mm; or from about 0 mm to about 5 mm. Without intending to be limitedby theory, it is believed that the top of the gas range should be asclose as possible to the level surface of the countertop so as toimprove the utility of the gas range. In an embodiment herein, the lid;or the flat top, is substantially level with the countertop if installedtherein or adjacent thereto.

In an embodiment herein the lid; or the highest portion of the lid issubstantially even with the level surface of the counter, meaning thatthe height variance is from about 0 mm to about 20 mm; or from about 0mm to about 10 mm; or from about 0 mm to about 5 mm. In an embodimentherein the lid has an open position and a closed position, and may pivotbetween these positions via, for example, one or more lid hinges. In anembodiment herein, a lid hinge; or a plurality of lid hinges, is/arelocated in the rear of the lid and/or the cooktop, and a lid hinge; oreach hinge, contains a spring. The spring biases the lid hinge so as toallow the lid to be more easily moved into the open position and/or theclosed position. In an embodiment herein, the spring and the lid hingebias the lid into the open position, the closed position, or both theopen position and the closed position providing, respectively, a biasselected from the group of an opening bias, a closing bias, and acombination thereof. In an embodiment herein, when the lid reaches apredetermined angle, then because of the bias, the spring and lid hingeautomatically move the lid to either the open or closed position. Forexample, if the opening bias is predetermined for when the lid is openedto about 60°, then when the lid is at an angle of more than 60°, thenthe lid will more easily flip up into the open position; or flip up intothe open position. If, for example, the closing bias is predeterminedfor when the lid is closed to about 30°, then when the lid is at anangle of less than 30°, then the lid will more easily settle into theclosed position; or settle into the closed position. In an embodimentherein, the bias is provided by a locking mechanism.

Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that a bias,especially an opening bias, may, for example, reduce the likelihood ofaccidents caused by the lid moving; or closing, while the gas burner(s)is/are in use, and/or an object is placed on the cooking grate. Such afeature may be especially useful in the case where a gas range is beingused in a vehicle while it is moving.

In an embodiment herein, a vehicle contains the gas range or the counterherein. The vehicle may be selected from the group of an automobile, anairplane, a watercraft, and a combination thereof; or a recreationalvehicle, a boat, a submarine, an airplane, and a combination thereof. Inan embodiment herein, the recreational vehicle is selected from a mobilehome, a motor home, a caravan, a trailer home, etc.

In an embodiment herein, the oven contains at least one oven exhaust; aplurality of oven exhausts; or from about 2 oven exhausts to about 10oven exhausts; or from about 2 oven exhausts to about 5 oven exhausts;or from about 2 oven exhausts to about 3 oven exhausts. In an embodimentherein the oven exhausts lead from the interior of the oven cavity tothe cooktop; or the area above the cooktop. The oven may further containa vent; or a plurality of vents; or the same number of vents as ovenexhausts, on the cooktop or positioned adjacent to the cooktop. Withoutintending to be limited by theory, it is believed that a plurality ofoven exhausts allows the oven to possess a more even/uniform temperaturetherein, as opposed to an oven containing only a single, large exhaust.For example, one who is used to baking understands and has experiencedthe situation where, even with a convention oven, the front of the ovenis oftentimes hotter than the back of the oven, which may primarily bedue to a large vent in the back of the oven cavity. It is believed thatby having a plurality of (smaller) oven vents, the temperature in theinterior of the oven cavity may be more uniform.

In an embodiment herein, the cooktop is removable from the gas range.Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that this may,for example, make the installation, cleaning and/or dismantling of thegas range significantly easier. In an embodiment herein, the cooktop maybe removable by lifting the rear of the cooktop up and away from the gasoven, while pivoting the front of the cooktop on the front of the oven.In an embodiment herein, the rear of the cooktop contains a lockingmechanism; or a friction-lock, which keeps the cooktop locked to the gasoven unless a significant amount of force is applied. Without intendingto be limited by theory, it is believed that this prevents the cooktopfrom dislodging from the gas oven unless it is purposely removed.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodimentof a gas range, 10, herein having a gas range height, GRH, and an ovencavity, 20. The gas range, 10, contains a cooktop, 24, located above theoven, 20, here a gas oven. The cooktop, 24, contains a gas burner, 26,which defines a gas burner height, GBH. The gas burner height ismeasured from the base of the cooktop, 24, to the uppermost point of agas hole in the through which the gas exits the gas burner, 26, forcombustion.

A cooking grate, 30, is located above the gas burner, 26, and serves tohold a cooking implement, such as a pot, a pan, etc. The cookingimplement in turn holds or contains the items to be cooked. The cookinggrate, 30, has a cooking grate height, CGH, which is measured from thebase of the cooktop, 24, to the uppermost point of the cooking grate,30.

A gas oxidation height, GOH, is defined as the difference between thecooking grate height, CGH, and the gas burner height, GBH.

A lid, 32, covers the cooking grate, 30, and forms the top surface, 34,of the gas range, when the lid is closed. Thus in FIG. 1, the gas range,10, also has a closed lid height, CLH, which in this embodiment issubstantially identical to; or the same as, the gas range height, GRH.The cooktop height, CH, is the distance from the base of the cooktop,24, to the top surface, 34. The gas range height, GRH, is measured fromthe base of the oven, 20, to the top surface, 34. In an embodimentherein, the lid, 32, may, for example, lie directly on the cookinggrate, 30, may be supported above the cooking grate, 30, etc. In anembodiment herein, the lid, 32, is formed of a lid material, forexample, glass, a plastic, a metal, a resin, and a combination thereof;or glass; or tempered glass. Furthermore, the lid may be formed of asingle solid piece of lid material, or may be multiple pieces of lidmaterial attached by, for example one or more hinges (see FIG. 2 at 36).

In FIG. 1, the oven, 20, also has an oven height, OH, and an oven cavityheight, OCH, and in this embodiment the oven height is about 76% of thegas range height. Similarly, the gas range, 10, has a gas range width,GRW, measured from the left side of the gas range, 10, to the right sideof the gas range, 10. The oven cavity, 22, also has an oven cavitywidth, OCW, as measured from left to right, and in this embodiment theoven cavity width is about 70% of the gas range width.

FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the gas range,10, herein. In FIG. 2, a glass lid, 32, is in the closed position. Thelid, 32, is formed from two pieces of glass herein described as a frontglass, 36, and a back glass, 36′, connected by a hinge, 38. The lid, 32,further contains a pair of lid hinges, 40 and 40′, which allow theentire lid to pivot up into the open position. This in turn allows thecooktop, 24, to be used for cooking. However, when the cooktop, 24 isnot needed, the lid, 32, may be pivoted down into the closed position(as seen in FIG. 2), and the cooktop may be used to, for example,prepare food, support a chopping board, etc.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the front glass, 36, rotates clockwisetowards the back glass, 36′, fold over together via the hinges, 38 and38′, such that the top surface, 34, of the front glass, 36 is adjacentto; or touching, the top surface, 34, of the back glass, 36′. Thus, thelid, 32, may be folded in an open position, with the lid hinges, 40 and40′, in the open position with the back glass, 36′, positionedvertically. The lid is then in the open position (see FIG. 7) whichopens up the entire cooktop for cooking. Alternatively, the hinges, 38,allow the lid, 32, to be in a half-open position, whereby the glass,36′, is horizontally covering the back half of the cooktop, 24, whilethe front glass, 36, is doubled-over the back glass, 36′, so as to openup the front half of the cooktop, 24, for cooking.

FIG. 2 also shows that the gas range contains a vent, 42, here twovents, 42 and 42′, which allow hot air to exit from the oven, 20, duringuse. The lid hinges, 40 and 40′, are located at the left and right sidesof the cooktop, 24, outside of the vents 42 and 42′.

The oven, 20, also contains an oven door, 44, and an oven handle, 46,attached thereto to allow the user to open the oven door, 44. The ovenalso contains a transparent window, 48, allowing the user to see what isinside.

FIG. 3 shows a back view of the gas range according to FIG. 2. In FIG.3, the vents, 42 and 42′, can be seen as well as a pair of ovenexhausts, 50 and 50′, which lead from the interior of the oven (see FIG.1 at 20), to the vents, 42 and 42′. In other words, any contents in theoven exhausts, 50 and 50′, are in fluid communication with the vents, 42and 42′, to be released into the atmosphere. In the embodiment of FIG.3, it is believed that the use of the dual oven exhausts, 50 and 50′,allows a greater amount of air to be exhausted from the interior of theoven cavity (see FIG. 1 at 22) and through the vents, 42 and 42′, intothe area above the gas range, 10, so as to meet relevant regulations.Furthermore, it is believed that by employing these dual vents, allows amore even/uniform over temperature in the oven cavity as compared to theuse of a single vent.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of an embodiment of a counter, 52, herein,containing the gas range, 10. In this case, the gas range, 10, is builtinto the counter, 52, and installed, for example, at a recreationalvehicle dealership. The counter, 52, contains a cabinet, 54, having acabinet handle, 56. In FIG. 4, the counter, 52, further contains acountertop, 58, which forms a level surface, 60, and is typically formedof wood, metal, plastic, a resin, and a combination thereof. The counteruseful herein may further contain, for example, a shelf, a drawer, asink, etc. as desired.

FIG. 5 illustrates a close up of an embodiment of the counter, 52,herein, showing that the level surface, 60, has a level surface height,LSH, which is slightly lower than the gas range height, GRH, and theclosed lid height, CLH. The lid, 32, forms a top surface, 34, whoseclosed lid height, CLH, is slightly higher than the level surface heightby a protruding distance, PD. Top surface, 34, is parallel to levelsurface, 60. In an embodiment herein, the protruding distance, PD, is amaximum distance; or a distance, of from about 0 mm to about 20 mm; orfrom about 0 mm to about 10 mm; or from about 0 mm to about 5 mm. It isrecognized that the closed lid height, CLH, or the gas range height,GRH, may lie below the level surface height, LSH, of the counter amaximum distance, or a distance, of from about 0 mm to about 20 mm; orfrom about 0 mm to about 10 mm; or from about 0 mm to about 5 mm.

FIG. 6 shows a close up of an embodiment of a partially-opened lid, 32,herein. The lid, 32, is formed of a front glass, 36, and a back glass,36′, attached via hinges, 38 and 38′. The lid, 32, is on the top of thecooktop, 24, and forms the top surface, 34, thereof.

In this embodiment, the front edge of the lid, 32, and specifically thefront edge of the front glass, 36, contains a stopper, 62. When the lid,32, is in the closed position (see FIG. 2), then the stopper, 62, restsupon the cooktop, 24, and provides additional structural support for thelid, 32, in case, for example, heavy objects, a cutting board, etc. areplaced thereupon, etc. Without intending to be limited by theory, it isbelieved that this can reduce the chance of deformation and/or breakageof the lid, 32.

The cooktop, 24, also contains a cooktop side edge, 66, which can fitonto the countertop (see FIG. 4 at 58); or the level surface (see FIG. 4at 60), to ensure that the countertop (see FIG. 4 at 58); or the levelsurface (see FIG. 4 at 60), and the gas range, 10; or the top surface,34; or the cooktop, 24; or the lid, 32, are aligned so as to besubstantially level. Without intending to be limited by theory, it isbelieved that the cooktop side edge also may overlap and cover any gapbetween the countertop (see FIG. 4 at 58); or the level surface (seeFIG. 4 at 60), and the gas range 10; or the top surface, 34; or thecooktop, 24; or the lid, 32, so as to prevent food or other items fromdropping therebetween. This in turn may, for example, reduce loss ofitems, make cleaning easier, etc.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the gas range, 10, when the lid, 32, is inthe open position. In this case, the front glass, 36, is folded via thehinges, 38 and 38′, so that the top surfaces, 34, of each of the frontglass, 36, and the back glass, 36′, are adjacent. The back glass, 36′,is further rotated via the lid hinges, 40 and 40′, so that the lid is inthe (fully) open position. In the open position, the gas burners, 26, ofthe cooktop, 24, are exposed. The cooking grate, 30, rests above the gasburners, 26. In addition, it can be seen that the lid, 32, folds so thatthe front glass, 36 and the back glass, 36′, are both to the rear of thevent, 42, and the oven, 50, which leads to the vent, 42. Accordingly,the oven exhaust and the vent release hot air from the oven cavity (seeFIG. 1 at 22) in front of the folded lid, 32.

FIG. 8 shows a back, underside view of an embodiment of the lid hinge,40′, area of FIG. 2 when the cooktop, 24, is locked to the oven, 20.Specifically this shows an embodiment of the lid hinge, 40′, connectedto the lid, 32. The cooktop, 24, contains a friction-lock, 68, whichacts as a fastener, 70, to removably-attach the cooktop, 24, to theoven, 20. The friction-lock, 68, cooperates with a bolt, 72, to securelylock the cooktop, 24, in place via friction between the friction-lockand the bolt. Other types of fasteners useful herein include snap-fitfasteners, key-locks, spring-locks, latches, etc.

FIG. 9 shows a back, underside view of an embodiment of the lid hinge,40′, area of FIG. 2 when the cooktop, 24, is unlocked from the oven, 20.In this figure it can be seen that the friction-lock, 68, contains anindentation, 74. When the cooktop, 24, is locked to the oven, 20, thenthe bolt, 72, fits into the indentation and secures the cooktop, 24, tothe oven, 20. However, because of the rounded edges of the indentation,74, the user may dislodge the cooktop, 24, from the oven, 20, by pullingthe cooktop, 24, upwards e.g., via the hinge bracket, 76, which supportsthe hinge, 40′. This may allow a partial removal and/or full removal ofthe cooktop, 24, from the oven. In an embodiment herein, this results ina partial removal of the cooktop, as the gas burners (see FIG. 1 at 26),and any associated gas piping/electronics may remain attached to theoven, while the rest of the cooktop, 24, is removed. In the embodimentshown, the lid hinge, 40; or each lid hinge, 40, further contains aspring, 78, which provides a bias to the lid, 32.

Typically, the cooking gate, 30, is removably-attached to; orremovably-placed on, the cooktop, so as to allow easy replacement,cleaning etc.

EXAMPLES

Non-limiting specific embodiments of the present disclosure include thefollowing.

Example 1

A gas range comprising a gas range height, the gas range comprising:

A) an oven including an oven cavity; and

B) a cooktop located above the oven, the cooktop including:

-   -   i) a gas burner containing a gas burner height; and    -   ii) a cooking grate above the gas burner, wherein the cooking        grate contains a cooking grate height,

wherein a gas oxidation height is the difference between the cookinggrate height and the gas burner height, wherein the gas oxidation heightis from about 10 mm to about 40 mm; or from about 13 mm to about 35 mm,or from about 15 mm to about 30 mm; or from about 20 mm to about 29 mm,and wherein the gas range height is from about 350 mm to about 450 mm;or from about 375 mm to about 425 mm; or from about 390 mm to about 410mm.

Example 2

The gas range according to Example 1, further containing a lid forcovering the cooking grate, the lid including an open position and aclosed position, wherein when the lid is in the closed position the gasrange comprises a closed lid height, and wherein the closed lid heightis from about 0 to about 10 mm higher than the gas range height; or fromabout 0 to about 5 mm higher than the gas range height; or from about 0to about 3 mm higher than the gas range height.

Example 3

The gas range according to any one of the previous embodiments, whereinthe oven cavity includes an oven cavity height and wherein the ovencavity height is from about 150 mm to about 310 mm; or from about 170 mmto about 280 mm; or from about 200 mm to about 260 mm.

Example 4

The gas range according to any one of the previous embodiments, whereinthe oven includes an oven height, wherein the percentage of the ovenheight with respect to the gas range height is from about 25% to about99%; or from about 45% to about 98%; or from about 60% to about 95%; orfrom about 65% to about 90%.

Example 5

A gas range containing:

A) an oven containing:

-   -   i) an oven cavity; and    -   ii) a plurality of oven exhausts;

B) a cooktop located above the oven, the cooktop containing:

-   -   i) a gas burner; and    -   ii) a cooking grate above the gas burner; and

C) a lid covering the cooking grate, the lid containing an open positionand a closed position,

wherein an oven exhaust; or a plurality of oven exhausts, leads from theoven cavity to the cooktop, and wherein when the lid is closed the lidforms a flat top.

Example 6

The gas range according to Example 5, wherein the cooktop furthercontains a vent; or a plurality of vents, and wherein the oven exhaustleads from the oven cavity to the vent; or each oven exhaust leads fromthe oven cavity to the vent; or a plurality of vents.

Example 7

The gas range according to any one of the previous embodiments, whereinthe oven cavity includes an oven cavity width and wherein the ovencavity width is from about 500 mm to about 250 mm; or from about 450 mmto about 300 mm; or from about 400 mm to about 350 mm.

Example 8

The gas range according to any one of the previous embodiments,containing a gas used for cooking with the gas range, wherein the gas isselected from the group of propane gas, butane gas, natural gas, and acombination thereof; or propane gas.

Example 9

The gas range according to any one of the previous embodiments, whereinthe oven contains a gas oven.

Example 10

The gas range according to any one of the previous embodiments, whereinthe gas range passes ANSI Z21.57-2010; or passes ANSI Z21.57-2010 andthe addenda ANSI Z21.57a-2012.

Example 11

The gas range according to any one of the previous embodiments, whereinthe cooktop is removably-attached to the oven.

Example 12

The gas range according to any one of Examples 2 to 11, wherein the lidcontains a lid hinge and a spring, and wherein the spring and the lidhinge provide a bias selected from the group of an opening bias, aclosing bias, and a combination thereof.

Example 13

The gas range according to any one of the previous embodiments, whereinthe gas range is intended for installing in a vehicle.

Example 14

A counter comprising the gas range according to any one of the previousembodiments; or containing the gas range according to any one of theprevious embodiments installed into the counter.

Example 15

The counter according to Example 14, wherein the counter includes alevel surface, and wherein the gas range protrudes from the levelsurface a maximum distance of from about 0 mm to about 20 mm; or fromabout 0 mm to about 10 mm; or from about 0 mm to about 5 mm.

Example 16

A vehicle comprising the gas range according to any one of Embodiments 1to 13, or the counter according to any one of Examples 14 to 15.

Example 17

The vehicle according to Example 16, wherein the vehicle is selectedfrom the group of an automobile, an airplane, a watercraft, and acombination thereof; or a recreational vehicle, a boat, a submarine, anairplane, and a combination thereof.

It should be understood that the above only illustrates and describesexamples whereby the present disclosure may be carried out, and thatmodifications and/or alterations may be made thereto without departingfrom the spirit of the invention.

It should also be understood that certain features of the invention,which are, for clarity, described in the context of separateembodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment.Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity,described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be providedseparately, or in any suitable subcombination.

All references specifically cited herein are hereby incorporated byreference in their entireties. However, the citation or incorporation ofsuch a reference is not necessarily an admission as to itsappropriateness, citability, and/or availability as prior art to/againstthe present disclosure.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustrationand description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosureto the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Summary forexample, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in oneor more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments,and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternateaspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those discussedabove. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflectingan intention that the claims require more features than are expresslyrecited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoingdisclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, the followingclaims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with eachclaim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of thedisclosure.

Moreover, though the description has included description of one or moreaspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations andmodifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications arewithin the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill andknowledge of those in the art, after understanding the presentdisclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternativeaspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted,including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures,functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not suchalternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publiclydedicate any patentable subject matter.

1. A gas range comprising: an oven comprising: an oven cavity; and anoven exhaust; a cooktop disposed above and connected to the oven,wherein the oven exhaust extends from the oven cavity to the cooktop,the cooktop comprising: a gas burner having a gas burner height; and acooking grate disposed above the gas burner, the cooking grate having acooking grate height; a gas oxidation height from about 10 mm to about40 mm wherein the gas oxidation height is the difference between thecooking grate height and the gas burner height; a lid coupled to thecooktop, the lid having a front section and rear section coupled to thefront section, the lid configured to cover the cooking grate in a closedposition and to not cover the cooking grate in the open position, a ventpositioned in the cooktop and connected to the oven exhaust; and a hingecoupling the rear section of the lid to the cooktop, the hinge defininga pivot axis disposed below the vent.
 2. The gas range of claim 1,wherein the cooktop is removably attached to the oven.
 3. The gas rangeof claim 1, wherein the hinge is a first hinge, and further comprising asecond hinge coupling the front section of the lid to the rear sectionof the lid, wherein in the open position the front section and rearsection are positioned adjacent to one another and vertical to thecooktop.
 4. The gas range of claim 3, wherein the first hinge includes aspring, wherein the first hinge and spring bias the lid to the openposition.
 5. The gas range of claim 1, wherein the oven exhaust is afirst oven exhaust and the vent is a first vent, and further comprising:a second oven exhaust directed from the oven cavity to the cooktop; anda second vent positioned in the cooktop and connected to the second ovenexhaust.
 6. The gas range of claim 5 and further comprising: an ovendoor attached to a front portion of the oven, wherein the gas range hasa depth direction defined between a rear portion of the cook top and thefront portion of the oven, and wherein when the lid is in the openposition, the first and second vents are closer to the front portion ofthe oven in the depth direction than the lid.
 7. The gas range of claim6 and further comprising a protruding feature protruding from thecooktop and extending parallel to a front of the cooktop, the protrudingfeature being located closer to the front of the cooktop than aforward-most horizontal member of the cooking grate.
 8. The gas range ofclaim 6 wherein the first vent is at an angle other than parallel to ahorizontal axis and a top surface of the cooking grate is parallel tothe horizontal axis.
 9. The gas range of claim 6, wherein a front edgeof the first vent and a front edge of the second vent are closer to thefront portion of the oven along a horizontal axis than the first hinge.10. The gas range of claim 1 and further comprising a stopper that ispositioned between the cooktop and the front section of the lid when thelid is in the closed position.
 11. The gas range of claim 1 wherein thegas range comprises a closed lid height from about 0 to about 10 mmgreater than the gas range height.
 12. The gas range of claim 1 whereinthe gas range is configured for use in at least one vehicle chosen froman automobile, an airplane, a watercraft, a recreational vehicle, aboat, a submarine, an airplane, and a combination thereof.
 13. A countercomprising: a gas range positioned within a counter, the gas rangecomprising: an oven comprising: an oven cavity; and an oven exhaust; acooktop disposed above and connected to the oven, wherein the ovenexhaust extends from the oven cavity to the cooktop, the cooktopcomprising: a gas burner having a gas burner height; and a cooking gratedisposed above the gas burner, the cooking grate having a cooking grateheight; and a gas oxidation height from about 10 mm to about 40 mmwherein the gas oxidation height is the difference between the cookinggrate height and the gas burner height; and a lid coupled to thecooktop, the lid having a front section and rear section coupled to thefront section, the lid configured to cover the cooking grate in a closedposition and to not cover the cooking grate in the open position; a ventpositioned in the cooktop and connected to the oven exhaust; a hingecoupling the rear section of the lid to the cooktop, the hinge defininga pivot axis disposed below the vent; and a countertop forming a leveltop surface of the counter and positioned on at least one side of thegas range, wherein the highest portion of the lid is substantially evenwith the level top surface of the counter.
 14. The counter of claim 13wherein the highest portion of the lid protrudes above the level topsurface of the counter a maximum distance of from about 0 mm to about 20mm when the lid is in the closed position.
 15. The counter of claim 13wherein the cooktop further comprises a side edge that overlaps with atleast a portion of the level top surface of the counter.
 16. The counterof claim 13, wherein the hinge is a first hinge, and wherein the gasrange further comprises a second hinge coupling the front section of thelid to the rear section of the lid, wherein in the open position thefront section and rear section are positioned adjacent to one anotherand vertical to the cooktop.
 17. The counter of claim 16 wherein thefirst hinge includes a spring, wherein the first hinge and spring biasthe lid to the open position.
 18. The counter of claim 13, wherein theoven exhaust is a first oven exhaust and the vent is a first vent, andwherein the gas range further comprises: a second oven exhaust directedfrom the oven cavity to the cooktop; and a second vent positioned in thecooktop and connected to the second oven exhaust.
 19. The counter ofclaim 18 wherein the gas range further comprises: an oven door attachedto a front portion of the oven, wherein when the lid is in the openposition, the first and second vents are closer to the front portion ofthe oven in a horizontal direction than the lid.
 20. The counter ofclaim 18 wherein the first vent is at an angle other than parallel to ahorizontal axis, the second vent is at an angle other than parallel tothe horizontal axis, and a top surface of the cooking grate is parallelto the horizontal axis.
 21. A gas range comprising: an oven comprising:an oven cavity; and an oven exhaust; a cooktop disposed above andconnected to the oven, wherein the oven exhaust extends from the ovencavity to the cooktop, the cooktop comprising: a gas burner having a gasburner height; and a cooking grate disposed above the gas burner, thecooking grate having a cooking grate height; a gas oxidation heightbeing the difference between the cooking grate height and the gas burnerheight; a lid coupled to the cooktop, the lid having a front section andrear section coupled to the front section, the lid configured to coverthe cooking grate in a closed position and to not cover the cookinggrate in the open position; and a hinge coupling the front section ofthe lid to the rear section of the lid, wherein the hinge facilitates,when the lid occupies the closed position, pivoting the front section ofthe lid upwardly relative to the rear section of the lid such that thelid occupies a partially open position.